Security Council hits Castro on red-tagging allegations

MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) hit back at ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro yesterday on the latter’s allegations of red-tagging and disinformation against National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said such accusations stemming from a statement issued by Año on Monday are false and baseless.

“No amount of misdirection or finger-pointing will ever change that fact. Making allegations of red-tagging has become a convenient excuse for them to avoid responsibility and accountability for crimes they have committed,” he said.

Castro’s accusation came in the wake of her recent court conviction, together with 12 others, for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act of 1992.

Malaya said court records show that on Nov. 28, 2018, Castro and 12 of her companions, including former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo, conspired and took advantage of 14 minor students of Salugpungan Ta Tanu Ingkanogan Community Learning Center.

Without seeking permission from the parents and without the knowledge of law enforcement and other local government officials, Castro and her companions allegedly took the minors and made them board five passenger vans.

Court records say they left Talaingod, Davao del Norte apparently to be taken to Maco, Compostela Valley for reasons not fully known and understood by them.

After a full-blown trial, the Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 found Castro and her cohorts guilty of the criminal charges lodged against them as they had “endangered the safety and well-being of the children.”

Malaya said Año’s statement on Monday rightfully hailed the triumph of truth and justice and the need to hold accountable before the law all those who imperil the lives and welfare of the citizens, including the members of the indigenous communities.

He further stressed Castro and her co-accused benefitted from their right to equal protection of the law and was represented by “a battalion of lawyers.”

In the performance of its mandate, Malaya said the NSC will continue to advocate for the rule of law and respect for human rights, most especially the rights of the children to access quality education and protection from all forms of abuse, manipulation and violence.